The World’s Most Internet-Addicted Nations

A recent study by ZeroBounce has painted a vivid picture of global internet addiction. The analysis, which examined data from various countries, reveals fascinating insights into how much time people spend online, the types of activities they engage in, and which nations lead in the realm of digital dependency.

Methodology of the Study

ZeroBounce employed a composite scoring system to rank countries based on numerous digital behaviors. Key metrics included time spent on social media, streaming TV shows, online shopping, administrative tasks (such as online banking), video calling, searching for recipes, and engaging in e-learning.

This comprehensive approach allowed for a robust understanding of internet usage across different cultures, providing a clear view of where the most internet-driven societies reside.

Top 10 Internet-Addicted Countries

1. Brazil – Score: 100/100

Brazil claims the top spot as the most internet-addicted country, with citizens spending an astounding 3 hours and 40 minutes weekly across various online activities.

Notably, Brazilians lead the world in streaming TV shows, dedicating an average of 13 hours and 3 minutes to this form of entertainment. Social media usage also ranks high, with 11 hours and 19 minutes logged weekly.

The country shows a remarkable commitment to online learning too, spending 5 hours and 28 minutes in e-learning activities.

2. Hong Kong – Score: 96.75/100

Coming in second, Hong Kong boasts a vibrant online culture driven by communication and e-commerce. Residents engage in 5 hours and 27 minutes of video calls each week—the highest globally—and spend 5 hours and 23 minutes shopping online, making it the world leader in e-commerce engagement.

Furthermore, 4 hours and 41 minutes are devoted to administrative tasks such as online banking, underscoring their reliance on digital tools for daily life.

3. Mexico – Score: 91.58/100

Mexico ranks third, with a notable 12 hours and 29 minutes spent on social media— the highest in the world. Additionally, Mexicans stream TV shows for 12 hours and 33 minutes weekly, highlighting their passion for visually engaging content.

4. Australia – Score: 88.32/100

In fourth place, Australians dedicate 9 hours and 14 minutes per week to social media and 6 hours and 29 minutes to streaming TV shows. With 3 hours and 18 minutes spent online shopping, Australia showcases a balanced digital lifestyle that combines social interaction, entertainment, and commerce.

5. Taiwan – Score: 84.76/100

Taiwanese residents enjoy variety in their online engagements, spending 4 hours and 27 minutes on online shopping and 6 hours and 34 minutes streaming shows. Notably, they also allocate 2 hours and 35 minutes to e-learning, placing them in the top five for internet usage.

6. South Korea – Score: 83.10/100

South Korea holds the sixth position, with 7 hours and 38 minutes devoted to streaming TV shows—ranking third globally. Additionally, South Koreans spend 4 hours and 39 minutes shopping online, making them second in e-commerce usage, while 3 hours and 32 minutes go to administrative tasks.

7. Italy – Score: 79.62/100

Italy’s diverse digital lifestyle places it seventh. Italians spend 7 hours and 44 minutes streaming TV shows and 7 hours and 14 minutes on social media. Their engagement in online shopping and video calls illustrates a balanced approach to digital interaction.

8. Canada – Score: 77.25/100

In eighth position, Canada shows a strong inclination toward streaming, with residents dedicating 8 hours and 19 minutes to online TV. Social media use also is robust, at 6 hours and 22 minutes per week, demonstrating a blend of entertainment and social engagement.

9. Portugal – Score: 75.10/100

Portugal ranks ninth, with residents spending 8 hours and 28 minutes on social media and 5 hours and 44 minutes streaming content. Their internet usage reflects both social and practical applications, including online banking and shopping.

10. Netherlands – Score: 73.80/100

Finally, the Netherlands rounds out the top ten, with 6 hours and 17 minutes spent on social media and 6 hours and 9 minutes on streaming.

Their commitment to online administrative tasks, clocking in at 4 hours and 44 minutes, indicates a preference for managing daily life through digital means.

Conclusion

The ZeroBounce study reveals a striking trend: the increasing reliance on the internet for both leisure and practical needs.

From vibrant social interactions to essential administrative tasks, the time spent online reflects deeper societal shifts towards digital integration.

As internet addiction becomes a growing concern globally, understanding these patterns can help in addressing the impacts of pervasive digital habits on our lives.

The findings serve as a timely reminder of the balance we must strive to achieve in a world increasingly consumed by screens.